Art and Culture 

Neglected Iron Age menhir in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool faces destruction - The Hindu 

An Iron Age menhir, a memorial pillar locally known as ‘Niluvu Rayi’ found in Kamasanpalli village of Nagarkurnool district in Telangana faces neglect.

Society 

What is the status of NEP’s implementation in Odisha? - The Hindu 

The Odisha government has announced the roll-out of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 in the State’s higher education sector. A new curriculum will be introduced in all government universities, and under-graduate students will now enrol in a four year course instead of three years. Additionally, to increase employability of students, 112 multi-disciplinary courses, 14 vocational courses, 56 value-added courses and 84 skill development courses have been approved to be included in 40 undergraduate subjects.

What are the costs of population decline? - The Hindu

The Chief Ministers of both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu expressed concerns about the low fertility rates in their States recently. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has said that he planned to introduce legislation to incentivise more children per family.

Polity 

Private property and the ‘common good' - Indian Express

The Supreme Court recently delivered a landmark verdict in the Property Owners Association & Ors v State of Maharashtra case. The SC answered two key questions. First, what is the status of Article 31C, the key constitutional provision that deals with the right to property, and does it still exist despite amendments to it being struck down by the apex court? Second, does Article 39(b) allow the state to acquire private property as “material resources of the community”?

World Affairs 

How will Trump treat illegal Indians? - The Hindu

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) flew a “large-frame charter removal flight” to repatriate Indian nationals “who did not establish legal basis to remain in the United States.” 

India Shines in QS World University Rankings: Asia (2025) - PIB 

The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 reflect the dynamic landscape of higher education across the continent, spotlighting the top institutions excelling in academic and research excellence, innovation, and internationalization. This year’s rankings emphasize the growing competition among Asian universities and showcase the region's commitment to advancing global educational standards.

QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025

Economy 

On improving wind energy generation - The Hindu 

The Tamil Nadu government released the “Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects - 2024” recently. However, wind energy generators have opposed the policy, approached the Madras High Court and got a stay. They have demanded a policy that will “promote wind energy generation”.

WHY INDIA HAS LAUNCHED PROJECT TO MONITOR ANIMAL HEALTH - Indian Express

The central government recently launched a project ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ initiative to better monitor animal health for prevention of future pandemics.

Animal Health Threat Response Project

Environment 

Ottavalo’s Andean Mouse - Indian Express 

A new species of mouse with a remarkably long tail, dubbed Otavalo’s Andean mouse, has been discovered near a dormant volcano in Ecuador. 

Ottavalo’s Andean Mouse

• Habitat: Found near Mojanda, a dormant volcano in the high Andes of northern Ecuador, endemic to temperate, high-altitude Andean montane forests.
• Naming: Named in honor of the Otavalo culture, known for its musical heritage and textile crafts.
• Physical Features: Slightly larger than related species, with shorter back hair.
• Fur: Fine, dense, and soft with a distinct color gradient.

Caterpillar fungus can slow down growth of cancer cells - The Hindu 

New research into a chemical produced by a caterpillar fungus that has shown promise as a possible cancer treatment has revealed how it interacts with genes to interrupt cell growth signals. The chemical Cordycepin, interrupts the cell growth signals that are overactive in cancer.

Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis)

• Description: A fungal parasite of caterpillar larvae belonging to the ghost moth family endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and high Himalaya (3,200-4,500 meters above sea level).
• Local Names
  • India: Kira Jari
  • Tibet: Yartsagunbu
  • Bhutan: Yarso Gumbub
  • China: Dong Chong Xia Cao
  • Nepal: Yarsagumba
• Distribution in India: Found in alpine meadows of protected areas like Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, and Dehan-Debang Biosphere Reserve.
• IUCN status: Vulnerable

Science and Technology  

Elephant deaths in Bandhavgarh: when a fungus attack turns millets into poison - Indian Express

Ten wild elephants from a herd of 13 died over the last three days in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac associated with TTP - The Hindu 

A study published in the journal Frontiers of Medicine has found an association between the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac from Sinovac Biotech and immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

Defence 

Pinaka rocket system - The Hindu 

France is considering India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launch (MBRL) system for its requirements and is soon going to carry out a detailed evaluation of the system, according to a senior French Army officer.

Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launch (MBRL) system

• Development: Designed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a DRDO laboratory.
• Operational History: First deployed in the Kargil War, effectively neutralising enemy positions on high ground.
• Capabilities

• Firepower: Provides lethal and responsive fire on various area targets, including:
  • Exposed enemy troops
  • Armoured and soft-skin vehicles
  • Communication centres
  • Air terminal complexes
  • Fuel and ammunition dumps
• Components:
  • Multi-tube launcher vehicle
  • Replenishment-cum-loader vehicle
  • Replenishment vehicle
  • Command post vehicle
• Rocket Launcher Specifications:
  • Two pods, each with six rockets
  • Capable of neutralising an area of 700 × 500 square metres within 48 seconds
  • Supported by four hydraulically actuated outriggers during firing
• Range: 60 to 75 kilometers
• Mobility: Mounted on a Tatra truck